How to refer a child or young person you are worried about, for protection
Due to a global Microsoft outage we are unable to access some systems, including sending and receiving email. Our phone lines remain open if you need to contact us. We are monitoring the situation and will keep residents updated.
Contact Family First Contact Point by phonePlease note, due to the global Microsoft outage, we are not able to receive or respond to emails or access forms. If you have any queries or concerns please contact Family First Contact Point (FFCP) on 0208 314 6660.
If you need to refer a child or young person for a protection service because you are worried they may be experiencing, or are at risk of significant harm from abuse, neglect or exploitation, you can make a referral to the Families First Contact Point (FFCP) from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
If you need to make a referral urgently outside of these hours, the out of hours team operates 6pm-8am Monday-Friday and 8am Saturday until 8am Monday. They can be contacted on 0208 314 6660. If a child is in imminent danger, contact the police immediately by calling 999.
What happens next?
If the FFCP receives a referral about a child or young person at risk of significant harm, usually a social worker will contact the referrer and discuss with the parents or carer (whenever possible, appropriate and safe to do). The social worker may also make some enquires with multi-agency safeguarding partners to better understand the child’s circumstances and make an informed decision about the best way to respond.
If it is thought the child or young person needs an urgent response or protection, the FFCP social worker will work together with refer the child immediately onto the Multi-Agency Child or Adolescent Protection Team.
The FFCP aims to respond to all referrals for child and adolescent protection without delay and no later than 1 working day.
The FFCP will aim to inform the person or agency making the referral of the outcome within 48 hours.
If the professional referring a child believes that seeking consent from a parent or carer would place the child at further risk of harm, or cause unnecessary delay, you can contact the FFCP without parental consent to discuss the situation. A decision can be made with a social worker in the FFCP about the best approach. If in doubt please contact the FFCP to discuss.
More information
Contact us
Family First Contact Point (FFCP)
Monday–Friday 9am–5pm. If you have concerns about the welfare of a child outside these hours, please contact the emergency duty team on 020 8314 6000 and ask to speak to the out-of-hours duty social worker.